Up at 5 a.m. ……..picked up my best pal and co-teacher……on the road by 6……Atlanta by 10. Trip to Georgia Aquarium (A must for anyone it Atlanta)………Walked into the Georgia Congress Center by 2.

This is my first time attending ISTE and I have a few things on my list I want to accomplish while I am here.

1. Blog as an educator, not just for my classroom.

2. Tweet- I am a lurker. I frequently read tweets from a pretty extensive PLN yet I've only tweeted once and that was by accident.

3. Meet up with some of the members of DENSI 2014.

4. Step out of my comfort zone.

With my mental checklist and a stomach full of butterflies (excited and nervous butterflies) I checked into ISTE. First on the agenda, the ISTE unplugged conference. It is so refreshing to be completely surrounded by educators who are willing / eager to learn and are willing to share their extensive knowledge. The un-conference style causes some/ lots of anxiety ( I am a back row Methodist after all) but I was determined to not just be a passive listener but an active contributor.

1st session- encouraging reluctant technology usersMy main questions going into this session- "Do we "force" teachers to get on board with technology or do we keep encouraging and differentiating until they come around?" "Will they eventually come around?"

Like with all complex questions there are always complex answers. Many in the group agreed there are some teachers who would never "come to the dance" no matter how many times they are invited. Some have to be forced. Though when forced, resentment and complaining surely follow.

Take aways…..Try not to overwhelm- introduce one thing at a timeMake yourself availableEmpower teachers to share what they are doingCreate a culture of learning ….students and TEACHERS

2nd Session- Twitter tips for newbiesThe first step in being a tweeter not a lurker on Twitter is attending the session. CHECK CHECK! Then I sent my first official tweet. Hopefully the first of many #iste2014 tweets.